Packaging is ‘largest contributor to Coke carbon footprint’

Coca-Cola Great Britain and Coca-Cola Enterprises teamed up with the Carbon Trust to certify the carbon footprint of Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero and Oasis in a range of packaging sizes and materials – glass, PET and metal cans.

Coca-Cola found that packaging contributed between 33% and 72% to the carbon footprint of the product, depending on the packaging type and size and the type of product.

The research revealed, however, that if an empty Coke can was recycled it reduced the carbon footprint by 41% to 100g. For Diet Coke and Coke Zero recycling saved 85g of carbon, a 40%.

The research analysed carbon emissions across the product supply chain and disposal including ingredients, packaging (including transport pallets), manufacturing, distribution, storage and refrigeration, and consumer use.

A Coca-Cola spokewoman told Packaging News that the firm used recycling rates – established by the Carbon Trust – of 48% for cans, 27% for PET and 38% for glass.

Jane Bickerstaffe, director of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment, of which Coca-Cola is a member, welcomed the publication of the carbon footprints as “an excellent example of the firm’s commitment to doing the right thing”.

“Of course packaging is a big part of the footprint of a fizzy drink. You’re going to need clever packaging to keep the fizz in,” she said. “But publishing the information shows the company is putting real effort into reducing its carbon footprint.”

Bickerstaffe added the information clearly showed the benefits of improved recycling facilities and that the UK was “doing really well” in recycling more material.

Simon Baldry, managing director Coca-Cola Enterprises GB, said it was the first time such an analysis had been used for soft drinks in the UK.

“We will continue to lead the search for better understanding and the results will help us continue to improve the impact of our business on the environment,” he said.

For the details of all 14 lines, click here to visit the Coca-Cola corporate responsibility report website.

COCA-COLA PACKAGING RECYCLED CONTENT
Metal cans 50%
Glass bottles 40%
PET bottles 25% target by 2010

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